NAF air raid wipes out terrorists in Lake Chad operation

The Nigerian Air Force has carried out a coordinated aerial assault in the Lake Chad Basin, killing several terrorists in a targeted operation around Metele in the Northern Tumbuns area.

According to a statement released in Abuja on Thursday by the Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the mission was executed in the early hours of Wednesday following intelligence-driven surveillance.

Officials explained that the strike was informed by credible intelligence, followed by Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions that confirmed the presence of a senior terrorist commander, active hideouts and increased movement of insurgents in the area.

Acting on this confirmation, air assets were deployed to engage the identified targets with precision. Military sources said the operation was carefully coordinated to maximise impact on verified hostile positions.

Describing the engagement, the statement noted:

“Upon arrival, aircrew observed significant terrorists movement around the concealed structures, confirming the presence of hostile elements.

“Following positive target identification, the aircraft executed devastating strikes on the designated locations.

“Post-strike Battle Damage Assessment confirmed the destruction of the terrorists enclave and the neutralisation of scores of terrorists.”

Following the operation, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, praised the personnel involved and reaffirmed the Air Force’s resolve to maintain sustained pressure on terrorist networks across the country.

He stated: “We will continue to leverage our air power capabilities to locate, strike, and destroy terrorists targets wherever they are found.

“The Nigerian Air Force remains resolute in denying terrorists freedom of action and ensuring they have no safe haven within our sovereign territory,” the CAS said.